Speaking to ESPN FC, Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan has revealed he’d be open to a return to MLS to see out of his career, having watched the league go through considerable growth since his 2008 departure.

Guzan, 30, started his career with Chivas USA after being drafted second-overall in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft following a decorated college career at South Carolina, before going on to make 79 appearances for the Los Angeles-based club over the next four campaigns.

Earning a move to Aston Villa in 2008, the US international has since established himself as one of the top keepers in the Premier League after a few seasons spent biding his time on the bench, but he has still been keeping a close watch on events across the pond.

“The strides forward taken by MLS in recent years have been great to see,” he said. “David Beckham going over to L.A. Galaxy was the breakthrough moment, and he did more than anyone to make soccer big news in America.

“Since then, we have seen Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and now Steven Gerrard follow that lead, but there is still a long way to go.”

Now looking to cement his place as the US’s number one during Tim Howard’s international sabbatical, Guzan is sure to be starring in the English top-flight for several seasons to come, but the Chicago-native admits that a move back to the States at the twilight of his career is something he has in mind.

“I would like to do that, but hopefully I have plenty more years at Villa before I think about heading home,” he added. “My wife and I have been very happy in England over the last few years, and while we miss aspects of home, we are enjoying our life here.

“Our first child is on the way in April, so he or she will be English-born and that means our family will always have a special bond with this country.”

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.